5-year-old with incurable cancer dies days shy of his birthday

(FOX NEWS) - We have learned sad news about a young boy who touched our hearts while battling terminal cancer.

The family of Lucas “Bear” Cervone shared news of his passing on Facebook. Many people were touched after the Chicago family sent a worldwide callout for birthday cards after Cervone's four-year battle with cancer turned terminal.

Lucas “Bear” Cervone was diagnosed with pediatric leukemia in August 2012 and went into remission after three years of treatment, NBC Chicago reported. But then another type of cancer— this time, incurable— attacked the 5-year-old.

Following a stem cell transplant and a months-long stay in the hospital, Lucas returned home in February to celebrate a late Christmas with his older brother, Franco.

However a few weeks ago, doctors informed the Cervones they had found an incurable tumor near Lucas’ heart, NBC Chicago reported.

Bear's story touched many people on social media as he asked for birthday cars from around the world. Sadly, he died just a few days of his birthday, but his family honored his special day with a celebration by his bedside. They wrote about it on their Facebook page:

"I want to try and get through this as quickly as I can but I feel we owe you an update. The birthday party was a great success yesterday. We were surrounded by family and friends and Lucas truly enjoyed himself. He loved his Jake and The Neverland Pirates cake and spending time with Big Brother Franco.

Lucas is still talking and awake most of the time, but last night around midnight he started having major pains in his left arm and shoulder. We decided it was time for pain meds. He's been giving himself a dose whenever he needs it. His breathing is becoming more labored and his swelling in his upper body is getting worse.

We have talked to Bear about the end and it seems he understands what is to come. That has been the hardest conversation we have ever had in our lives, I think. Bear is strong and still fighting his way through but he seems to be more ready to go everyday.

Thank you all for your amazing love and support you have shown Bear and our family. This will be my last post for awhile. Please understand that we need to be with Bear now. Thank you for letting us share our son's life with you. Thank you for spreading awareness of this deadly disease. Please take care of yourselves also. Grief is a strange thing, but please do what you must to cope with all of this. Your feelings matter too. Signing off for now, Papa Bear."

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